Flights from Guangzhou (CAN) to Dhaka (DAC)

About Dhaka

Discover Dhaka

Why visit Dhaka?
Dhaka is a dynamic megacity where busy streets, river life, and historic quarters come together. You will find a city that feels energetic and social, with rickshaws, boats, and crowds weaving through a landscape of old mansions and modern glass towers.

What to expect
The city spreads along the Buriganga River, with older areas like Old Dhaka offering narrow lanes and stately architecture, and newer districts such as Gulshan and Banani providing wider roads and contemporary buildings. Expect lively traffic, colourful markets, and an urban rhythm that is fast-paced but welcoming.

Plan your trip
Dhaka is both a destination in its own right and a gateway to the wider country, from river delta landscapes to green tea hills. Many visitors combine time in the capital with journeys to other cities and regions, using Dhaka as a convenient starting point for exploring Bangladesh.

Top sights in Dhaka

Lalbagh Fort

Explore this unfinished Mughal-era fortress, with its gardens, red sandstone buildings, and views over the surrounding old city.

Ahsan Manzil

Visit the restored pink riverside palace that once housed local nobility and now serves as a museum of city history.

National Parliament House (Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban)

Admire the striking modernist complex designed by architect Louis Kahn, set amid expansive lawns and lakes.

Sadarghat Riverfront

Watch an endless flow of passenger boats and cargo vessels at one of the city’s busiest and most atmospheric river ports.

Curzon Hall

Stroll through this red-brick architectural landmark within the University of Dhaka, surrounded by lawns and student life.

Bangladesh National Museum

Discover collections that showcase the country’s art, archaeology, and cultural heritage under one roof.

New Market

Browse a maze of stalls selling clothing, fabrics, books, and everyday goods in a classic Dhaka shopping landmark.

Hatirjheel Lake

Enjoy evening walks or short boat rides around this central lake, framed by bridges and city lights.

Experience Dhaka’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Rickshaws, taxis, and ride-hailing services are the most common ways to move around Dhaka’s busy streets, while the developing metro system helps you bypass traffic on selected corridors. For short distances, walking within specific neighbourhoods can be rewarding once you step away from main junctions.

Local life & culture
Neighbourhoods like Old Dhaka feel dense and atmospheric, with workshops, homes, and shops lining narrow lanes. In contrast, areas such as Gulshan and Banani have a more spacious feel, with cafés, offices, and lakeside paths that reveal a more contemporary side of the city.

Where to unwind
Green pockets and lakeside areas offer welcome pauses from the urban energy. Parks and waterfronts are most enjoyable in the early morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer and temperatures are more comfortable for a stroll or quiet break.

A taste of Dhaka

Street food & local specialties
You will encounter fragrant rice dishes, grilled items, and a wide variety of savoury snacks at local eateries and humble stalls. Old Dhaka is especially known for long-standing family-run establishments and food streets that come alive from late afternoon.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In newer districts such as Gulshan, Banani, and Dhanmondi, you can find cafés, bakeries, and restaurants offering both local flavours and international options. Many venues are grouped along main roads or around small plazas, making it easy to sample several dishes in one outing.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, consider venues overlooking lakes, rooftops with sweeping city views, or elegant dining rooms in contemporary hotels. These settings pair carefully prepared menus with a calmer atmosphere, ideal for a relaxed evening or special occasion in Dhaka.

Retail therapy in Dhaka

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres in areas like Gulshan and Dhanmondi bring together international brands, local labels, and entertainment under one roof. Many feature cafés and casual dining, making them popular places for families and friends to meet and spend time.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and shopping complexes such as New Market, Bashundhara City’s surrounding streets, and parts of Old Dhaka showcase textiles, clothing, and artisan-made items. These areas are ideal for picking up fabrics, scarves, and simple keepsakes that reflect local craft traditions.

Evening retail scene
As the day cools, streets around major markets and malls become livelier, with illuminated shopfronts and steady crowds. Smaller roadside stalls and arcades open late into the evening, and you can usually reach these districts easily using taxis, rickshaws, or ride-hailing services.

Best time to visit Dhaka

Shital winter season (November to February, shoulder season)
During these cooler months, average temperatures range from 15°C to 26°C (59°F to 79°F). The air is generally drier and more comfortable, making city walks and sightseeing pleasant, with softer light and clearer conditions.

Grishsho summer season (March to June, peak season)
Summer in Dhaka is warm and humid, with temperatures typically between 25°C and 34°C (77°F to 93°F). Days feel bright and energetic, and longer daylight hours give you more time to explore, especially if you plan activities for mornings and evenings.

Barsha monsoon season (July to October, low season)
Monsoon brings frequent showers and lush greenery, with temperatures around 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F). Rainfall can be intense but often comes in bursts, lending a distinctive mood to riverside areas and creating a quieter, more reflective atmosphere in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions